Learning and academic support

Why Portsmouth

Get Academic HELP when you need it

Decide to study with us, and you'll have a host of learning and academic support at your disposal, whenever you need it

Everyone needs a little help from time to time, whether you're a fresher taking your first steps into uni life or a seasoned student who knows your way around academia. Here's where to find the academic help you need.

Your personal tutor

As well as access to experts such as professors and researchers, you’ll get a personal tutor who'll guide you and help you achieve your goals.

Your personal tutor gives you academic and personal support to help you settle in and make the most of course. If necessary, they'll help you access relevant academic and personal support services.

You'll meet regularly with your personal tutor in scheduled group and personal sessions. They're also available between sessions if you have any issues or concerns.

IT and computing resources

Not a tech boffin? Don't worry – we've got an IT Help Centre on campus to help you with all your computer quibbles.

You also have access to:

free Wi-Fi across all University buildings

laptops on short-term loan

computer suites with the latest specialised software and equipment

free Office 365 download

open access areas, printing facilities and group working areas

Academic help

If you need support with your work, our support tutors and the Academic Skills Unit (ASK) provide confidential, personalised one-to-one tutorials to help you develop the essential academic skills you need for your course.

You can get help with:

academic writing

note taking

time management

critical thinking

presentation skills

referencing

working in groups

revision, memory and exam techniques

Maths help

Struggling with a maths-related problem or need a little help with statistics? Whatever your area of study or prior expertise, the Maths Cafe provides free advice and maths assistance in a friendly, informal environment. Come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.

guidance on disability-related support costs, including Disabled Students' Allowance

discussion on reasonable adjustments

referral for diagnosis or to obtain diagnostic evidence

specialist study skills tuition

assistive technology tuition

liaison with external services e.g. Autism Hampshire and Clear Links

Graduate School

Our Graduate School gives you the support you need to get the most out of your postgraduate research studies.

You'll get a supervisory team and a comprehensive induction so you can make best use of the academic tools and facilities on offer.

As well as the support of your fellow postgrad research students and supervisors, you'll also be able to use the Graduate School Development Programme. It includes workshops and special interest groups that help you develop your research skills.